Vacation is a time for fun and relaxation.  By making the right preparations you can significantly reduce the potential for your vacation being ruined by crime.

Below are some tips for you to consider:

• Install good doors, door-locks and window locks and USE THEM.
• Engrave your valuables with your California drivers license number (proceeded with "CA").Make your house appear "lived in".  Use timers for lights and radios.
• Stop the newspaper and mail, or have a friend or neighbor pick them up.
• Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates you are away from home. Rather than saying "I'm not home right now," say "I'm unable to come to the phone right now." 
• Make arrangements to keep the lawns mowed and watered.
• Disconnect electric garage door openers, or put a padlock on the door track.
• Ask a neighbor to use your driveway so it gives appearance of an occupied house. 
• Never leave house keys hidden outside under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of a door.  Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend. 
• Leave your trip plans and an emergency phone number with a trusted neighbor or friend.

The Crime Prevent Department has a Vacation Security guidelines brochure available.  For your copy call (408) 730-7140..